Hello all! Question for you experts and seasoned travelers... My husband and I are going to be in London for a week next week, for the first time ever. (Ah! Gives me a thrill just typing that - I cannot wait!) Anyway, we have much to fit into that week, but I would love a recommendation for a "quick" train ride that would allow us to see some of the English countryside. Preferably, I would like an hour or less train ride (if possible). We love history and old villages. I'd originally thought (and posted about) splitting the trip between London and a country town, but we have decided to stay in London (hotel is in Piccadilly) for the entire trip. Ideally, we would take a train to somewhere that would put us out right in a place we could explore on foot for a couple of hours before heading back to London. Is that too tall of an order or you have any ideas? Thank you in advance!
Posted by
392 posts
One of the challenges is the the rail lines run along Valley floors and to 'see' countryside you might need to be up on a ridge. For pure countryside and a cute train station I would suggest train from London Waterloo to Boxhill and West Humble station in Surrey. Then depending on your fitness levels walk up Box Hill or take a walk on Ranmoor Common. If you want something with a bit more activity i.e. Old pubs and canal locks and pretty cottages I'd recomend the train from London Paddington to either Newbury or Kintbury (depending on how long you want to walk) and then walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal to Hungerford before catching the train back to London Paddington. Nice description here http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/newbury-to-kintbury-and-hungerford-canal-walk-walking-route
Both options involve train rides of no more than an hour.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
15 posts
Both of those ideas look lovely! I have made note of both. Thank you!
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2512 posts
Consider the Chilterns
https://www.chilternsaonb.org/explore-enjoy/getting-here.html
Midsomer Murder countryside
Posted by
Land of La
8683 posts
Maybe a train from St Pancras to Margate which is on the coast. About an hour and a half ride.
Or a 90 minute ride from Waterloo to Brockenhurst.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
15 posts
More great ideas. Thank you!
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Winchester is about 70 minutes by train from London. The Tourist Office, right across from King Alfred’s statue, can suggest several pleasant walks, beside the river and elsewhere. The river walk takes you past an old monastery where a monk still doles out bread and ale to passers by, as was done in medieval times. Of course, the Cathedral should not be missed, either, but you can visit after your walk, and have some refreshments in the Cathedral Tea Room.
Posted by
Rockville, MD, USA
596 posts
This may be a little quirky but it worked for me: 45 minute train from Victoria to Lingfield, a five minute walk through the village, and an afternoon at the races. Check to see if they are open the week you are there (and which days). Or once in Lingfiled take a taxi to the British Wildlife Centre (I think they're open on weekends only).
Posted by
129 posts
How about Cambridge?
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4051 posts
Some of the inter-city buses are very tall, allowing better views across the landscapes. Maybe not as comfortable as a train, but also maybe serving smaller destinations. In Britain, they are "coaches". https://www.nationalexpress.com/en
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
15 posts
Great tip, thank you!!